Earth-boring machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly. More particularly, the base means on the track includes a novel latch means for selective movement between a retracted released position and an extended latch position provided with means for selected shifting between said positions.

United States Patent 72 lnventor AlbertR. Richmond West Salem, Ohio 21 Appl. No. 867,814 [22] Filed Oct. 20, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 [73] Assignee The Richmond Manufacturing Company A h e dflh e [54] EARTH-BORING MACHINE 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs. [52] US. Cl 175/122, 173/159,175/171, 299/56 [51] 1nt.Cl E21c 1/10 [50] Field of Search 175/62, 122,171; 173/159;299/55, 56

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,588,068 3/1952 Williams et al. 175/171 X 3,162,254 12/1964 Rose 175/171 X I30 .96 [0 Ho 96 24 I04 I04 46 48 [I6 90 9a "8 3 90 no Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser Att0rneySchmieding & Fultz ABSTRACT: A machine for the horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable, such as under freeways or the like, which comprises a boring mechanism for forming the holes as well as the push function for advancing the pipeline casings. This novel arrangement includes a pusher ring frame which is removably mounted on the track means and a power means frame which is in turn removably mounted on said pusher ring frame such that the frames can be removed from one another or removed from the carriage as an assembly. More particularly, the base means on the track includes a novel latch means for selective movement between a retracted released position and an extended latch position provided with means for selected shifting between said positions.

PATENTED nm 1 219m SHEET 1 OF 3 ALBERT R. K/ ET-WoA/D g #44112 ATT NEYS PATENTEDUCT12|97| sum 2 0F 3 ALBERT R. E/FZWSND EARTH-BORING MACHINE This invention relates to portable earth-boring machines and more particularly to a machine adapted for horizontal boring of shafts for the insertion of pipelines where excavation from the surface is undesirable.

In general, the machine of the present invention is of a novel split design which includes a power means that is longitudinally movable along a base means from which it is detachably removable. In general, the power means is adapted to rotate an earth-boring auger and in addition, functions to drive a hydraulic pump for supplying pressurized fluid to hydraulic cylinders mounted on said base means, said cylinders serving to provide a pushing apparatus for driving pipe casing into the hole in the earth formed by said auger.

It should be mentioned that when the power means assembly is mounted in its normal position on the base means it performs both the boring function for forming the hole as well as the pushing function for advancing the casing. When desired, the power means can be quickly removed from the base means and lifted from the trench and positioned adjacent thereto on the ground surface. At such surface location the above-mentioned hydraulic pump on the power means can be connected to the hydraulic cylinders of the pushing apparatus while it is still positioned in the trench by flexible extension conduits. Hence the pushing apparatus can be operated to advance the casing even though the power means has been removed from the trench to provide room for hand mining if desired.

In accordance with the present invention the boring 1 machine is provided with power cylinders mounted on the base means for advancing and retracting the carriage and power means assembly mounted thereon and such power cylinders are adjustably connected to said base means by-a novel advanceable cylinder base assembly which permits the operator to rapidly reposition the connection location of said cylinders to the base means. This enables the operator to rapidly advance the carriage and power 'means assembly to new longitudinally spaced locations on the base means as the drilling and pushing operation progresses. Such advanceable cylinder base assembly further permits the operator to rapidly retract the carriage and power means assembly after a hole section has been drilled and a casing section has been positioned therein.

It is therefore a principle of the present invention to provide an earth-boring machine that includes a novel advanceable cylinder base assembly that permits the operator to quickly reposition a power means assembly, with respect to a base means, at various spaced longitudinal positions along said base means.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an earth-boringv preceding figure which illustrates an advanceable cylinder base assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top elevational view of the cylinder base assembly of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the cylinder base assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring in detail to the drawings, FIG. I illustrates the complete boring machine of the present invention which includes a base means indicated generally at 20, a removably mounted power means indicated generally at 22, and a spacer means indicated generally at 24. Referring particularly to base means 20, this assembly includes spaced longitudinally extending tracks 26 and 28 which are mounted on transverse frame members 30, the latter being positioned in the bottom of the trench.

A carriage indicated generally at 32 is provided with rollers 34 disposed on the tracks whereby power means assembly 22 can be moved longitudinally thereof in connection with the boring and casing-pushing operations in a manner later to be described.

It should be mentioned that tracks 26 and 28 are provided with flanges 36, which permit the end to end attachment of a plurality of such track sections.

With continued reference to base means 20, carriage 32 is advanced and retractedwith respect to tracks 26 and 28 by means of double-acting power cylinders 38 each of which includes a forward pivotal connection, not illustrated, with base means 20. Power cylinders 38 each includes an extendable rod 44 pivotally connected to an advanceable cylinder base assembly indicated generally at 46 at pivot pins 59.

Cylinder base assembly 46 includes sideplates 49, a top plate 51, a bottom plate 53 and laterally extending holddown flanges 55.

As is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, cylinder base assembly 46 is mounted on tracks 26 and 28 by rollers 43 mounted on sideplates 49 and the previously mentioned flanges 55 underlie top flanges 61 of the tracks 26 and 28.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, cylinders base assembly 46 further includes laterally shiftable dogs 63 disposed between vertical guides 45, the latter being mounted between top plate 51 and bottom plate 53.

Dogs 63 can be shifted laterally outwardly by actuators 48 formed not illustrated bolts extended through slots 67, at top plate 51 with the outer ends of the dogs being insertable into longitudinally spaced slots 69 formed in tracks 26 and 28 by the spaced blocks 71, said blocks being welded securely within the channels of the track means.

Referring next to power means 22 such assembly includes an internal combustion engine 50 which drives a transmission 52 the latter being drivingly connected to a gear reduction unit 54, which unit includes an output shaft for driving an auger coupling 56 used for the hole-boring operation.

With continued reference to FIG. I the machine further includes a master casing pusher ring assembly indicated generally at 60 which includes an annular guard 62 provided with a discharge hole 64 for releasing the earth drillings rearwardly of the auger.

A vane member 66 mounted on auger coupling 56 is rotated therewith and functions to discharge the drillings outwardly through hole 64.

It should now be mentioned that master casing pusher ring 60 is normally mounted on power means 22 by bolting same to the front of the power means. Hence master casing pusher ring 60 is removed from the trench along with power means 22 when the latter is lifted therefrom by means of lifting bracket However, it should be further mentioned that master casing pusher ring 60 can be readily removed from power means 22 at the mounting bracket 70 and a master casing pusher ring of different diameter can be substituted therefor. For example, a 36 master casing pusher ring, used for installing 36 pipe casings, can be removed from power means 22 and a larger master casing ring, for example one of 48 in diameter can be installed thereon for advancing the larger diameter casing sec tions.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, master casing pusher ring 60 can be utilized independently of direct attachment with power means 22, after such power means has been removed from the excavation, simply by mounting the pusher ring 60 on a separate pusher ring frame, not illustrated, which includes a casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on carriage 32 with a pusher ring assembly, such as is shown at 60 mounted on the forward end thereof such casing pusher frame means, for use on the base means when the power means 22 is removed from the trench,

is shown and described in detail in my copending application Ser. No. 867,815 filed Oct. 20, 1969.

Reference is next made to a quick-disconnect mounting means construction indicated generally at 90 which is utilized for removably mounting power means 22 on carriage 32 of base means 20, or, if larger diameter push rings are used for mounting, such power means 22 is mounted on a spacer means 24 which is in turn mounted on said carriage 32. With reference to FIG. 1, it should be mentioned that quick-disconnect mounting means 90 is adapted to permit use of the boring machine either with or without the spacer means 24 and toward this end the power means 22 is provided with a top flange 92 and side flanges 94 which form a locating means or slots 96, the latter being adapted to receive either a tongue or locating means 98 on carriage 32, or if the spacer means 24 is used, tongues or locating means 100, provided on such spacer means.

In the event spacer means 24 is used, in connection with the larger diameter push rings, then the tongues 98 on carriage 32 are positioned in recesses [04 formed in the bottom of the spacer tongues 100. Quick-disconnect mounting means 90 further include first clamp portions in the form of rods 108 pivotally mounted to flanges 110 at a pivot 112. The upper end of rod 108 is removably inserted in a second clamping means provided by the open end of slot 116 and a nut 118 is either tightened or loosened with respect to flange 92 when power means 22,is installed for removal from carriage 32 on the base means,

ln operation, the boring machine of the present invention is transported to the excavation site disassembled sections and,

in a typical installation, such as when a pipeline is to be in-.

stalled under a highway, an excavation trench is dug adjacent to one side of the highway embankment and base means 20 is lowered down onto the floor of the trench by means of the lift rings 27.

The workmen next assemble, assembly, at ground level, a plurality of auger sections, for example a 4 foot length within a casing section which may be, for example 12 feet long. The casing section, with the auger sections assembled therein, are

next lowered by the lifting apparatus into the trench in a position forwardly of power means 22 and the first auger section is next coupled to power means 22 by inserting its shank into a drive socket 57 of auger coupling 56, Also, it should be mentioned that the casing section is positioned with its rear end in serted into annular guard 62 of master casing pusher ring 60 with the end ofsuch casing section abutting the front end of an inner-casing-engaging flange 65 whereby axial thrust is applied directly to the end ofthe casing section.

The engine 50 of power means 22 is next energized to rotate the auger and auger coupling 56 and the auger casing sections are advanced into drilling engagement with the embankment of double-acting pushing cylinders 38 which are driven by pressurized fluid from a pump 120 connected to an extension end of pushing cylinders 38 via conduit 122. The hydraulic connections between pump 120, cylinders 38, and a reservoir mounted on the power means are actuated by control valve indicated generally at 126 for both extension and retraction of double-acting power cylinders 38.

With continued reference to operation of the boring machine, as the boring progresses the operator can advance the advanceable cylinder base assembly 46 along base means 20 and toward the hole by actuating levers 48 inwardly with respect to the tracks thereby retracting the outer ends of dogs 63 from slots 69 and moving the assembly 46 forwardly to a new location thereby permitting the operator to drill a hole deeper and advance the casing further into the embankment.

After the previously described casing section is advanced completely into the embankment, power means 22, in carriage 32 on which it is mounted, are retracted by means of doubleacting cylinders 38 and the advanccable cylinderv base assembly 46 is retracted to a position on the rear of the base means 20 with rollers 49 serving to transport such apparatus to the rear of the track means.

it should be mentioned that the first casing section, and the first group of auger sections positioned therein, are left in position in the enbankment withthe rearmost auger section being uncoupled from auger coupling 56.

A second casing section, with auger sections assembled therein, is next lowered into the trench forwardly of the boring machine and the forward end of the casing is moved into abutting relationship with the first previously inserted casing section and joined thereto by welding. The rear end of the second casing section, and the assembled auger sections therein, arecoupled to the boring machine at coupling 56 and to master casing pusher ring 60 in the manner previously described, with the forward one of the newly insertedauger sections being coupled to the previously driven rear auger section.

The machine is next operated in the manner previously described with the cycles of operation ,being repeated as required.

It should be mentioned that when the boring machine is operated on a grade for inclined or declined boring and pushing operations, the operator can utilize a manual brake assembly indicated generally at I30 which includes a pivoted lever 132 which is pivoted to the power means at a pivot 134 such that when a pedal I36 is depressed a brakeshoe portion 138 is forced downwardly into frictional engagement with the top surface of track 26.

I claim:

l. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in com bination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means mounted or? said carriage and including an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earthboring auger; a casing pusher ring mounted on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latched position, in latched engage ment with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power.

means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; mounting means for detachably mounting said power means frame on said base 7 means; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track portions a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position, in latch engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.

3. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement of said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position in latch engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions,

4. A portable earth-boring machine comprising in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position, in latched engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.

5. The apparatus defined in claim 4 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage,

6. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latched position, in latched engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions. 

1. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means mounted on said carriage and including an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger; a casing pusher ring mounted on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latched position, in latched engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.
 2. A portable earth-boring machine comprising in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and includiNg a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; mounting means for detachably mounting said power means frame on said base means; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track portions a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position, in latch engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.
 3. A portable earth-boring machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger, and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; a casing pusher ring mounted on said power means frame; a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame from said carriage as an assembly; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement of said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position in latch engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.
 4. A portable earth-boring machine comprising in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members and a power cylinder for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; power means including a power means frame adapted to be removably mounted on said casing pusher ring frame means, an engine mounted on said power means frame and including an engine drive shaft, a gear reduction unit mounted on said power means frame and including a driven gear reduction shaft driven by said engine drive shaft and an output shaft adapted to be coupled to an earth-boring auger; and a pump mounted on said power means frame and including conduits disconnectably coupled to said power cylinder; and mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means and said power means frame on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latch position, in latched engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions.
 5. The apparatus defined in claim 4 that includes a first locating means on said carriage and including a first clamp portion; a second locating means on said power means frame and including a second clamp portion, said clamp portions being detachably connectable for removal of said power means frame and casing pusher ring frame means from said carriage.
 6. A portable earth-boRing machine comprising, in combination, base means including spaced track members, a carriage mounted for movement along said track members, and a fluid motor for driving said carriage means along said track members; casing pusher ring frame means adapted to be removably mounted on said carriage and including an annular pusher ring mounted on the forward end thereof; mounting means for detachably mounting said casing pusher ring frame means on said carriage; and cylinder base mounting means including a cylinder base frame mounted for longitudinal movement on said track means, a laterally shiftable latch member on said cylinder base mounting means and movable between a retracted released position and an extended latched position, in latched engagement with said base means, and an actuator for shifting said latch member between said positions. 